Positive or Negative? A Question about Polarity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the positive polarity in an image that includes a battery or magnet and a compass. Participants explore the concepts of polarity and the functionality of the compass in relation to the image presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for suggestions on which side of the object in the image is positive polarity.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the contents of the image.
  • A participant asserts that the bottom of the magnet is a south pole and explains the compass's behavior in relation to Earth's magnetic field.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the concept of polarity.
  • A participant suggests that the image likely contains a battery and a compass, stating that a compass cannot determine the polarity of a battery.
  • Another participant disagrees, suggesting that the object in the image is a magnet rather than a battery.
  • A later reply agrees that it is a magnet and speculates about the purpose of a potential lid on the compass, while questioning the clarity of the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the object is a battery or a magnet, and there are differing opinions on how to determine polarity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the original question about polarity.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the identification of the objects in the image and the methods for determining polarity. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the compass's role in this context.

space0
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Referring to following image,

Does anyone have any suggestions on which side is positive polarity?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :>

Polarity_zpsb705bcfd.jpg
 
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could you explain what the picture consists of?
 
The bottom of the magnet, the side the compass is pointing to, is actually a south pole. A compass points towards the North pole of the Earth not because it is magnetically north, but because it is magnetically a south pole and is in the North direction.
 
Polarity is the most confusing concept in my understanding.

Thanks you very much for suggestions :>
 
space0 said:
Referring to following image,

Does anyone have any suggestions on which side is positive polarity?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :>

Polarity_zpsb705bcfd.jpg

Is that a battery in the upper part of the image? is that a magnetic compass in the lower part? If the answers are both "yes", then you cannot determine polarity of the battery using a compass.

A compass moves its needle into alignment with a magnetic field (the earth's, usually).

The polarity of a battery cannot measured using a magnetic compass. You could find the polarity of the battery using a voltmeter, for one example.
 
I think that is a magnet, not a battery.
 
ModusPwnd said:
I think that is a magnet, not a battery.

I think you are right

tho when you look closely at the top thing, I'm wondering if its a flip down lid that covers/protects the compass face ? see the little lugs at 180 Deg spacing

but the original question is so screwball, its really difficult to figure out what the Op really wants to know

Dave
 

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